I had the same thoughts as Hammer, Shegos, and others here about the programs future but after today I'm feeling a lot better.

I think the WCHA presents a great opportunity to Ferris. I'm not trying to disrespect the original WCHA teams, but I feel like the playing field is much more leveled. Should be exciting for all the WCHA teams.

Having a chance at maybe becoming a conference power excites the heck out of me.

bigmrg74

08-27-2011, 12:09 AM

Well, over the last 12-13 years they've built a new home locker rooms, replaced the seating, boards, glass, and other various improvements. The arena is much improved over what it was when I was there in the mid-90's.I just wonder if it would be worth Ferris time to just build a whole new arena perhaps? Increase the seating, and incorporate a few of the newer bells and whistles into the place instead of trying to shoehorn stuff into the existing arena.

Hammer

08-27-2011, 08:27 AM

Good luck getting funding. You do realize you're talking about a state university in Michigan, right?

Hammer

08-27-2011, 12:45 PM

It has been kicked around elsewhere that both LSSU and Ferris have been asked to improve their respective arenas. There have been rumblings that they would like to see 4,000 for capacity.

I highly doubt Ferris is going from 2,493 to 4,000+, regardless of the financial situation of either Ferris State University or the state of Michigan. So, the WCHA probably asked for other improvements in Ewigleben. I am curious as to what else the WCHA has asked Ferris to do in terms of arena improvements.

bronconick

08-27-2011, 12:50 PM

It has been kicked around elsewhere that both LSSU and Ferris have been asked to improve their respective arenas. There have been rumblings that they would like to see 4,000 for capacity.

I highly doubt Ferris is going from 2,493 to 4,000+, regardless of the financial situation of either Ferris State University or the state of Michigan. So, the WCHA probably asked for other improvements in Ewigleben. I am curious as to what else the WCHA has asked Ferris to do in terms of arena improvements.

If they didn't include Western in the list of schools required in upgrades, I'd assume it'd be the areas WMU has managed to upgrade in the last decade, mainly locker rooms, training areas, other behind the scenes areas, etc.

...holy crap. You know what this means? Only two more years of the accursed shootout!

Edit: Of course, if Western's already mentioned future plans for the new downtown arena or Lawson upgrades when they met with the NCHC way back when, the WCHA could probably assume that those plans are going ahead regardless and not feel they have to bring it up.

MUhawks628

08-27-2011, 12:52 PM

...holy crap. You know what this means? Only two more years of the accursed shootout!

I am dumbfounded that this never occurred to me!!

Hammer

08-27-2011, 12:54 PM

Most of which Ferris has rebuilt in the last 12-13 years or so. My guess is that a renovated visiting locker room is at the top of the list. The boards, glass, flooring, lighting, and ice-making equipment was rebuilt a year or two ago. The home locker room was built in 1998 or so. The concourse was done at the same time, IIRC. Like I've said before, the arena is light years better than what it was when I walked out the door in 1996.

Huskie

08-27-2011, 04:49 PM

Seems like alot of talk about arena's but little about quality of players. Look at the big revenue sports, football in Big Ten alone ranges from 45,000 to 100,000, basketball ranges all over the board. What matters is the team on the ice and the atmosphere in the arena. I attended games in the old Ralph, "UND", and the new Ralph, the old Ralph was much smaller but had a better atmosphere for pure hockey. Certainly at least arguable. Welcome to the "New" WCHA, I look forward to hosting the new teams in St. Cloud, and can't wait to go see the new teams and arens's. SCSU is on the upswing again and can't wait to kick your old CCHA butts!!

bigmrg74

08-28-2011, 12:01 AM

Good luck getting funding. You do realize you're talking about a state university in Michigan, right?You could always hit the Lottery there Hammer, and fund new arenas for both Ferris and Adrian. :p;)

hattrick16

08-28-2011, 11:47 PM

I'm really excited for this move in two years! The league should be competitive and a lot of fun. If FSU can keep up the recruits it has been able to get recently I think we can do pretty well. I also think the WCHA is run much better than the CCHA and it will be nice to have a conference that is more aggressive.

Hopefully some more tv time on Fox Sports North (maybe FSN Detroit will stick around) too, I occasionally have seen them playing reruns of games of Ferris this summer and more tv time would be excellent exposure.

Are geographic location makes non-conference games against MSU and UM pretty likely. Our schedule should be fun.

A league tournament somewhere other than Detroit?!?! Chicago? St. Paul? Escanaba (only kidding...)?

Ferris' administration really surprised me with this move. Hopefully this move makes for a greater commitment to hockey in Big Rapids. Until then, hopefully FSU can do something in the final two years of the CCHA.

Go Dawgs!

bigmrg74

08-28-2011, 11:59 PM

I'm really excited for this move in two years! The league should be competitive and a lot of fun. If FSU can keep up the recruits it has been able to get recently I think we can do pretty well. I also think the WCHA is run much better than the CCHA and it will be nice to have a conference that is more aggressive.

Hopefully some more tv time on Fox Sports North (maybe FSN Detroit will stick around) too, I occasionally have seen them playing reruns of games of Ferris this summer and more tv time would be excellent exposure.

Are geographic location makes non-conference games against MSU and UM pretty likely. Our schedule should be fun.

A league tournament somewhere other than Detroit?!?! Chicago? St. Paul? Escanaba (only kidding...)?

Ferris' administration really surprised me with this move. Hopefully this move makes for a greater commitment to hockey in Big Rapids. Until then, hopefully FSU can do something in the final two years of the CCHA.

Go Dawgs!I could see Ferris and Western trying to tap into the GR market a little more and hosting Sparty and Michigan in a weekend at Van Andel perhaps. Probably would be solely a Ferris plays Michigan, WMU plays Sparty on Friday night, and then Ferris and WMU switch partners on Saturday night.

hattrick16

08-29-2011, 02:48 PM

I could see Ferris and Western trying to tap into the GR market a little more and hosting Sparty and Michigan in a weekend at Van Andel perhaps. Probably would be solely a Ferris plays Michigan, WMU plays Sparty on Friday night, and then Ferris and WMU switch partners on Saturday night.

I like this idea, like a lower peninsula tournament. But, it would also be nice to get them to BR on occasion still since the VA will be dominated by green and blue (more so than Ewigleben already is).

DominicHennig

09-27-2011, 02:52 PM

Looking forward to a great season. Here is the Countdown to Faceoff Video Series Preview: